>> isn't that the whole thing? exactly. >> that's the whole thing, yes. >> reporter: gottheimer is one of the most vulnerable democrats on the ballot in 2022. his district includes two counties that went heavily for trump in 2016 and 2020. as we sat down to talk -- >> i'm getting attacks as well. they're attacking me. >> reporter: playing right there in the diner, an ad from the conservative-american action network. >> josh gottheimer sold out new jersey. >> reporter: he gets hit from the left in his own party, too. >> stop obstructing president biden. >> my job is not to work for the national democratic party. i work for the fifth district. if you do this job right, you're like a big mayor. you should think about what your councils and mayors are talking about and be responsible to them and the people you represent. >> reporter: his political challenge next year hit home hard when local democrats across new jersey lost elections here this month, and governor's margin of victory was closer than anticipated. >> just like they were frustrated in virginia, people are frustrated we hadn't taken